WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.840 Nancy: Welcome to immerse: the daily bible reading experience. 00:00:02.920 --> 00:00:04.320 day 200 and 72 00:00:04.692 --> 00:00:09.912 then another message came to me from the Lord Son of man confront 00:00:09.917 --> 00:00:12.042 Jerusalem with her detestable sins. 00:00:12.612 --> 00:00:17.292 Give her this message from the sovereign Lord, you are nothing but a Canaanite. 00:00:18.252 --> 00:00:23.322 Your father was an amorite and your mother a hitite on the day you were born. 00:00:23.682 --> 00:00:24.882 No one cared about you. 00:00:25.392 --> 00:00:29.412 Your umbilical cord was not cut, and you were never washed, rubbed 00:00:29.412 --> 00:00:31.182 with salt and wrapped in cloth. 00:00:32.292 --> 00:00:34.422 No one had the slightest interest in you. 00:00:35.202 --> 00:00:39.372 No one pitied you or cared for you on the day you were born. 00:00:39.372 --> 00:00:46.092 You were unwanted, dumped in a field and left to die, but I came by and 00:00:46.092 --> 00:00:51.492 saw you there helplessly kicking about in your own blood as you lay there. 00:00:51.492 --> 00:00:52.842 I said live. 00:00:54.222 --> 00:00:56.982 And I help you to thrive like a plant in the field. 00:00:57.852 --> 00:01:00.312 You grew up and became a beautiful jewel. 00:01:00.942 --> 00:01:06.462 Your breasts became full, and your body hair grew, but you were still naked. 00:01:07.392 --> 00:01:11.202 And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. 00:01:11.542 --> 00:01:15.402 So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness 00:01:15.762 --> 00:01:17.682 and declared my marriage vows. 00:01:18.402 --> 00:01:23.082 I made a covenant with you, says the sovereign Lord, and you became mine. 00:01:24.732 --> 00:01:30.012 I bathed you and washed off your blood and I rubbed fragrant oils into your skin. 00:01:30.852 --> 00:01:36.012 I gave you expensive clothing, a fine linen and silk, beautifully embroidered 00:01:36.702 --> 00:01:39.342 and sandals made a fine goat skin leather. 00:01:40.242 --> 00:01:45.732 I gave you lovely jewelry bracelets, beautiful necklaces, A ring for 00:01:45.732 --> 00:01:51.252 your nose, earrings for your ears, and a lovely crown for your head. 00:01:52.332 --> 00:01:55.212 And so you were adorned with gold and silver. 00:01:56.052 --> 00:02:00.072 Your clothes were made a fine linen and costly fabric and 00:02:00.072 --> 00:02:01.542 were beautifully embroidered. 00:02:02.382 --> 00:02:07.422 You ate the finest foods choice, flour, honey and olive oil, and 00:02:07.427 --> 00:02:09.132 became more beautiful than ever. 00:02:09.402 --> 00:02:13.002 You looked like a queen, and so you were. 00:02:13.752 --> 00:02:17.712 Your fame soon spread throughout the world because of your beauty. 00:02:18.507 --> 00:02:22.977 I dressed you in my splendor and perfected your beauty, says the sovereign Lord. 00:02:24.177 --> 00:02:29.277 But you thought your fame and beauty were your own, so you gave yourself as a 00:02:29.277 --> 00:02:31.797 prostitute to every man who came along. 00:02:32.727 --> 00:02:34.167 Your beauty was theirs. 00:02:34.172 --> 00:02:39.477 For the asking, you used the lovely things I gave you to make shrines for 00:02:39.477 --> 00:02:42.147 idols where you played the prostitute. 00:02:42.987 --> 00:02:44.187 Unbelievable. 00:02:44.577 --> 00:02:46.017 How could such a thing ever happen? 00:02:47.142 --> 00:02:51.972 You took the very jewels and gold and silver ornaments I have given you and 00:02:51.972 --> 00:02:54.462 made statues of men and worshiped them. 00:02:55.272 --> 00:02:57.132 This is adultery against me. 00:02:58.002 --> 00:03:02.172 You used the beautifully embroidered clothes I gave you to dress your idols. 00:03:03.372 --> 00:03:07.092 Then you used my special oil and my incense to worship them. 00:03:08.082 --> 00:03:08.832 Imagine it. 00:03:09.462 --> 00:03:14.052 You set before them as a sacrifice, the choice, flour, olive oil, and honey. 00:03:14.052 --> 00:03:14.892 I had given you. 00:03:15.522 --> 00:03:16.872 Says the sovereign Lord. 00:03:17.682 --> 00:03:21.762 Then you took your sons and daughters, the children you had born to me 00:03:22.152 --> 00:03:24.312 and sacrificed them to your gods. 00:03:25.122 --> 00:03:26.922 Was your prostitution not enough? 00:03:27.402 --> 00:03:32.502 Must you also slaughter my children by sacrificing them to idols And all 00:03:32.502 --> 00:03:37.332 your years of adultery into testable sin, you have not once remembered the 00:03:37.337 --> 00:03:43.482 days long ago when you lay naked in a field kicking about in your own blood. 00:03:44.577 --> 00:03:47.607 What sorrow awaits you, says the sovereign Lord. 00:03:48.447 --> 00:03:52.197 In addition to all your other wickedness, you built a pagan 00:03:52.197 --> 00:03:54.177 shrine and put altars to idols. 00:03:54.177 --> 00:03:59.307 In every town square, on every street corner, you defiled your beauty, 00:03:59.727 --> 00:04:04.377 offering your body to every passerby in an endless stream of prostitution. 00:04:05.487 --> 00:04:09.867 Then you added lustful Egypt to your lovers, provoking my anger 00:04:09.867 --> 00:04:11.817 with your increasing promiscuity. 00:04:13.122 --> 00:04:17.082 That is why I struck you with my fist and reduced your boundaries. 00:04:17.742 --> 00:04:22.062 I handed you over to your enemies, the Philistines, and even they 00:04:22.062 --> 00:04:24.222 were shocked by your lewd conduct. 00:04:25.092 --> 00:04:28.002 You have prostituted yourself with the Assyrians too. 00:04:28.602 --> 00:04:34.002 It seems you can never find enough new lovers and after your prostitution 00:04:34.002 --> 00:04:37.062 there, you still were not satisfied. 00:04:37.752 --> 00:04:40.752 You added to your lovers by embracing Babylonia. 00:04:41.172 --> 00:04:44.832 The land of merchants, but you still weren't satisfied. 00:04:45.852 --> 00:04:49.122 What a sick heart you have says the sovereign Lord. 00:04:49.632 --> 00:04:55.482 To do such things as these, acting like a shameless prostitute, you build your 00:04:55.482 --> 00:05:00.732 pagan shrines on every street corner and your altars to idols in every square. 00:05:01.332 --> 00:05:05.862 In fact, you have been worse than a prostitute, so eager for sin that 00:05:05.862 --> 00:05:07.602 you have not even demanded payment. 00:05:08.652 --> 00:05:14.052 Yes, you are an adulterous wife who takes in strangers instead of her own husband. 00:05:14.922 --> 00:05:18.132 Prostitutes charge for their services, but not you. 00:05:18.702 --> 00:05:24.072 You give gifts to your lovers, bribing them to come and have sex with you, so 00:05:24.072 --> 00:05:26.172 you are the opposite of other prostitutes. 00:05:26.532 --> 00:05:32.142 You pay your lovers instead of their paying you, therefore you prostitute. 00:05:32.682 --> 00:05:34.572 Listen to this message from the Lord. 00:05:35.142 --> 00:05:37.092 This is what the sovereign Lord says. 00:05:38.607 --> 00:05:41.937 You have poured out your lust and exposed yourself in 00:05:41.942 --> 00:05:43.857 prostitution to all your lovers. 00:05:44.577 --> 00:05:49.167 And because you have worshiped detestable idols and because you have slaughtered 00:05:49.167 --> 00:05:53.967 your children as sacrifices to your gods, this is what I am going to do. 00:05:54.777 --> 00:05:59.187 I will gather together all your allies, the lovers with whom you have sinned, 00:05:59.817 --> 00:06:04.227 both those you loved and those you hated, and I will strip you naked in 00:06:04.232 --> 00:06:06.357 front of them so they can stare at you. 00:06:07.242 --> 00:06:09.852 I will punish you for your murder and adultery. 00:06:10.782 --> 00:06:13.872 I will cover you with blood in my jealous fury. 00:06:14.712 --> 00:06:18.252 Then I will give you to these many nations who are your lovers, 00:06:18.852 --> 00:06:20.172 and they will destroy you. 00:06:20.952 --> 00:06:24.912 They will knock down your pagan shrines and the altars to your idols. 00:06:25.482 --> 00:06:30.072 They will strip you and take your beautiful jewels, leaving you stark naked. 00:06:30.972 --> 00:06:35.412 They will band together in a mob to stone you and cut you up with swords. 00:06:36.222 --> 00:06:39.582 They will burn your homes and punish you in front of many women. 00:06:40.572 --> 00:06:45.462 I will stop your prostitution and end your payments to your many lovers. 00:06:46.752 --> 00:06:52.662 Then at last, my fury against you will be spent and my jealous anger will subside. 00:06:53.562 --> 00:06:56.982 I will be calm and will not be angry with you anymore. 00:06:58.182 --> 00:07:02.382 But first, because you have not remembered your youth, but have angered 00:07:02.382 --> 00:07:04.602 me by doing all these evil things. 00:07:05.307 --> 00:07:09.627 I will fully repay you for all of your sins, says a sovereign 00:07:09.627 --> 00:07:14.937 Lord for you have added lewd acts to all your detestable sins. 00:07:15.717 --> 00:07:20.787 Everyone who makes up Proverbs will say of you like mother, like daughter, 00:07:21.837 --> 00:07:26.127 for your mother loathed, her husband and her children, and so do you. 00:07:26.787 --> 00:07:30.447 And you are exactly like your sisters for they despise their 00:07:30.447 --> 00:07:31.887 husbands and their children. 00:07:32.697 --> 00:07:36.297 Truly, your mother was a hitite and your father an amorite. 00:07:37.317 --> 00:07:41.397 Your older sister was Samaria who lived with her daughters in the north. 00:07:42.177 --> 00:07:46.077 Your younger sister was Sodom who lived with her daughters in the South. 00:07:46.977 --> 00:07:49.197 But you have not merely sinned as they did. 00:07:49.797 --> 00:07:55.197 You quickly surpassed them in corruption, as surely as I live, says the sovereign 00:07:55.197 --> 00:08:00.207 Lord Sodom and her daughters were never as wicked as you and your daughters. 00:08:01.137 --> 00:08:06.387 Sodom sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and 00:08:06.387 --> 00:08:11.187 needy suffered outside her door, she was proud and committed to 00:08:11.187 --> 00:08:13.977 testable sins, so I wiped her out. 00:08:14.007 --> 00:08:18.597 As you have seen, even Samaria did not commit half your sins. 00:08:18.807 --> 00:08:23.277 You have done far more detestable things than your sisters ever did. 00:08:24.297 --> 00:08:26.547 They seem righteous compared to you. 00:08:27.252 --> 00:08:28.212 Shame on you. 00:08:28.632 --> 00:08:31.932 Your sins are so terrible that you make your sisters 00:08:31.932 --> 00:08:34.422 seem righteous, even virtuous. 00:08:35.292 --> 00:08:39.072 But someday I will restore the fortunes of Sodom and Samaria, 00:08:39.402 --> 00:08:41.292 and I will restore you too. 00:08:42.102 --> 00:08:46.692 Then you will be truly ashamed of everything you have done for your sins. 00:08:46.692 --> 00:08:48.612 Make them feel good in comparison. 00:08:49.602 --> 00:08:55.572 Yes, your sisters Sodom and Samaria and all their people will be restored. 00:08:56.112 --> 00:08:58.602 At that time, you also will be restored. 00:08:59.412 --> 00:09:04.842 In your proud days, you held Sodom in contempt, but now your greater wickedness 00:09:04.842 --> 00:09:10.302 has been exposed to all the world, and you are the one who is scorned by Edam 00:09:10.512 --> 00:09:12.882 and all her neighbors and AB by Philistia. 00:09:13.812 --> 00:09:16.362 This is your punishment for all your lewdness and 00:09:16.362 --> 00:09:18.672 detestable sins says the Lord. 00:09:19.602 --> 00:09:21.822 Now this is what the sovereign Lord says. 00:09:22.722 --> 00:09:24.282 I will give you what you deserve. 00:09:24.657 --> 00:09:30.027 For you have taken your solemn vows lightly by breaking your covenant, yet I 00:09:30.027 --> 00:09:34.497 will remember the covenant I made with you when you were young, and I will establish 00:09:34.497 --> 00:09:36.387 an everlasting covenant with you. 00:09:37.347 --> 00:09:41.157 Then you will remember with shame all the evil you have done. 00:09:41.847 --> 00:09:47.307 I will make your sisters Samaria and Sodom to be your daughters, even though 00:09:47.307 --> 00:09:48.957 they are not part of our covenant. 00:09:49.917 --> 00:09:52.077 And I will reaffirm my covenant with you. 00:09:52.497 --> 00:09:54.657 And you'll know that I am the Lord. 00:09:55.587 --> 00:09:59.907 You'll remember your sins and cover your mouth in silent Shame. 00:10:00.417 --> 00:10:06.417 When I forgive you of all that you have done, I, the sovereign Lord have spoken. 00:10:08.097 --> 00:10:12.237 Then this message came to me from the Lord, son of man. 00:10:12.387 --> 00:10:16.197 Give this riddle and tell the story to the people of Israel. 00:10:16.827 --> 00:10:19.467 Give them this message from the sovereign Lord. 00:10:20.577 --> 00:10:23.787 A great eagle with broad wings and long feathers. 00:10:24.267 --> 00:10:26.337 Covered with many colored plumage. 00:10:26.727 --> 00:10:27.807 Came to Lebanon. 00:10:28.707 --> 00:10:32.667 He sees the top of a cedar tree and plucked off its highest branch. 00:10:33.477 --> 00:10:36.177 He carried it away to a city filled with merchants. 00:10:36.597 --> 00:10:38.637 He planted it in a city of traitors. 00:10:39.357 --> 00:10:43.827 He also took a seedling from the land and planted it in fertile soil. 00:10:44.487 --> 00:10:48.837 He placed it beside a broad river, or it could grow like a willow tree. 00:10:49.707 --> 00:10:53.427 It took root there and grew into a low spreading vine. 00:10:54.327 --> 00:10:59.247 Its branches turned up toward the eagle and its roots grew down into the ground. 00:10:59.937 --> 00:11:05.637 It produced strong branches and put out shoots, but then another great eagle 00:11:05.637 --> 00:11:08.307 came with broad wings and full plumage. 00:11:09.147 --> 00:11:13.647 So the vine now sent its roots and branches toward him for water, even though 00:11:13.647 --> 00:11:15.597 it was already planted in good soil. 00:11:15.882 --> 00:11:21.012 And had plenty of water so it could grow into a splendid vine and produce 00:11:21.012 --> 00:11:22.872 rich leaves and luscious fruit. 00:11:24.012 --> 00:11:28.782 So now the sovereign Lord asks, will this vine grow and prosper? 00:11:29.352 --> 00:11:32.832 No, I will pull it up, roots and all. 00:11:33.612 --> 00:11:37.602 I will cut off its fruit and let its leaves wither and die. 00:11:38.322 --> 00:11:43.722 I will pull it up easily without a strong arm or a large army, but 00:11:43.722 --> 00:11:45.372 when the vine is transplanted. 00:11:45.792 --> 00:11:46.752 Will it thrive? 00:11:47.502 --> 00:11:48.012 No. 00:11:48.282 --> 00:11:49.662 It will wither away. 00:11:50.052 --> 00:11:52.392 When the east wind blows against it. 00:11:52.992 --> 00:11:57.552 It will die in the same good soil where it had grown so well. 00:11:58.782 --> 00:12:02.982 Then this message came to me from the Lord say to these rebels of 00:12:02.982 --> 00:12:07.152 Israel, don't you understand the meaning of this riddle of the eagles? 00:12:08.142 --> 00:12:11.832 The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, took away her king and 00:12:11.832 --> 00:12:13.842 princes, and brought them to Babylon. 00:12:14.937 --> 00:12:18.357 He made a treaty with a member of the royal family and forced 00:12:18.357 --> 00:12:19.977 him to take an oath of loyalty. 00:12:20.877 --> 00:12:26.127 He also exiled Israel's most influential leaders so Israel would not become strong 00:12:26.127 --> 00:12:31.647 again and revolt only by keeping her treaty with Babylon could Israel survive. 00:12:31.947 --> 00:12:37.497 Nevertheless, this man of Israel's royal family rebelled against Babylon, 00:12:37.977 --> 00:12:42.057 sending ambassadors to Egypt to request a great army and many horses. 00:12:43.347 --> 00:12:46.767 Can Israel break her sworn treaties like that and get away with it? 00:12:47.427 --> 00:12:47.997 No. 00:12:48.687 --> 00:12:53.427 For as surely as I live says the sovereign Lord, the King of Israel 00:12:53.427 --> 00:12:58.527 will die in Babylon, the land of the king who put him in power and whose 00:12:58.527 --> 00:13:00.477 treaty he disregarded and broke. 00:13:01.437 --> 00:13:05.547 Pharaoh and all his mighty army will fail to help Israel when the King 00:13:05.547 --> 00:13:10.347 of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem again and destroys many lives. 00:13:10.977 --> 00:13:14.067 For the King of Israel disregarded his treaty and 00:13:14.067 --> 00:13:15.957 broke it after swearing to obey. 00:13:16.737 --> 00:13:18.447 Therefore, he will not escape. 00:13:19.497 --> 00:13:21.657 So this is what the sovereign Lord says. 00:13:22.257 --> 00:13:27.267 As surely as I live, I will punish him for breaking my covenant and disregarding 00:13:27.267 --> 00:13:29.367 the solemn oath he made in my name. 00:13:30.237 --> 00:13:34.107 I will throw my net over him and capture him in my snare. 00:13:34.947 --> 00:13:39.597 I will bring him to Babylon and put him on trial for this treason against me. 00:13:40.377 --> 00:13:44.847 And all his best warriors will be killed in battle, and those who survive 00:13:44.847 --> 00:13:46.917 will be scattered to the four winds. 00:13:47.697 --> 00:13:51.267 Then you will know that I, the Lord have spoken. 00:13:52.227 --> 00:13:54.267 This is what the sovereign Lord says. 00:13:55.257 --> 00:13:59.217 I will take a branch from the top of a tall cedar and I will plant it on 00:13:59.217 --> 00:14:01.197 the top of Israel's highest mountain. 00:14:01.887 --> 00:14:06.927 It'll become a majestic cedar sending forth its branches and producing seed. 00:14:07.767 --> 00:14:12.057 Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter in the shade of its 00:14:12.057 --> 00:14:18.117 branches and all the trees will know that it is I the Lord who cuts the tall tree 00:14:18.122 --> 00:14:21.387 down and makes the short tree grow tall. 00:14:22.347 --> 00:14:27.687 It is I who makes the green tree wither and gives the dead tree new life. 00:14:28.707 --> 00:14:32.517 I the Lord have spoken and I will do what I said. 00:14:34.047 --> 00:14:36.417 Then another message came to me from the Lord. 00:14:37.617 --> 00:14:40.767 Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel? 00:14:41.607 --> 00:14:45.537 The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker 00:14:45.537 --> 00:14:49.797 at the taste, as surely as I live, says the sovereign Lord. 00:14:50.367 --> 00:14:55.377 You will not quote this proverb anymore in Israel, for all the people are mined 00:14:55.382 --> 00:14:58.767 to judge both parents and children alike. 00:14:59.517 --> 00:15:00.687 And this is my rule. 00:15:01.437 --> 00:15:04.557 The person whose sins is the one who will die. 00:15:05.412 --> 00:15:09.192 Suppose a certain man is righteous and does what is just and right. 00:15:10.062 --> 00:15:14.202 He does not feast in the mountains before Israel's idols or worship them. 00:15:14.862 --> 00:15:18.132 He does not commit adultery or have intercourse with a woman 00:15:18.132 --> 00:15:19.422 during her menstrual period. 00:15:20.502 --> 00:15:26.142 He is a merciful creditor, not keeping the items given as security by poor debtors. 00:15:27.132 --> 00:15:30.762 He does not rob the poor, but instead gives food to the hungry 00:15:30.762 --> 00:15:32.592 and provides clothes for the needy. 00:15:33.372 --> 00:15:37.302 He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice. 00:15:37.752 --> 00:15:41.922 Is honest and fair when judging others and faithfully obeys 00:15:41.922 --> 00:15:43.782 my decrees and regulations. 00:15:44.772 --> 00:15:50.922 Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the sovereign Lord. 00:15:51.642 --> 00:15:56.622 But suppose that man has a son who grows up to be a robber or murderer 00:15:56.982 --> 00:15:58.722 and refuses to do what is right. 00:15:59.532 --> 00:16:02.982 That son does all the evil things his father would never do. 00:16:03.612 --> 00:16:08.592 He worships idols on the mountains, commits adultery, oppresses the poor, and 00:16:08.592 --> 00:16:13.872 helpless steals from debtors by refusing to let them redeem their security. 00:16:14.622 --> 00:16:19.902 Worships idols, commits detestable sins and lends money at excessive interest. 00:16:20.682 --> 00:16:27.252 Should such a sinful person live, no, he must die and must take full blame. 00:16:28.467 --> 00:16:33.897 Suppose that sinful son in turn has a son who sees his father's wickedness 00:16:34.257 --> 00:16:36.327 and decides against that kind of life. 00:16:37.227 --> 00:16:41.937 This son refuses to worship idols on the mountains and does not commit adultery. 00:16:42.687 --> 00:16:47.367 He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. 00:16:48.027 --> 00:16:51.687 He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. 00:16:52.317 --> 00:16:56.337 He helps the poor, does not lend money at interest and obeys 00:16:56.337 --> 00:16:58.647 all my regulations and decrees. 00:16:59.517 --> 00:17:02.727 Such a person will not die because of his father's sins. 00:17:03.207 --> 00:17:08.127 He will surely live, but the father will die for his many sins. 00:17:08.787 --> 00:17:14.097 For being cruel, robbing people, and doing what was clearly wrong among his people. 00:17:15.177 --> 00:17:19.497 What you ask, doesn't the child pay for the parent's sins? 00:17:19.917 --> 00:17:20.517 No. 00:17:21.072 --> 00:17:25.422 For if the child does what is just and right and keeps my decrees, that 00:17:25.422 --> 00:17:30.552 child will surely live the person whose sins is the one who will die. 00:17:31.182 --> 00:17:34.962 The child will not be punished for the parent's sins, and the parent will 00:17:34.962 --> 00:17:36.882 not be punished for the child's sins. 00:17:37.662 --> 00:17:41.142 Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, 00:17:41.832 --> 00:17:44.652 and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness. 00:17:45.582 --> 00:17:50.022 But if wicked people turn away from all their sins, And begin to obey my 00:17:50.022 --> 00:17:52.392 decrees and do what is just and right. 00:17:53.052 --> 00:17:55.422 They will surely live and not die. 00:17:56.112 --> 00:18:00.072 All their past sins will be forgotten and they will live because of the 00:18:00.072 --> 00:18:01.722 righteous things they have done. 00:18:02.772 --> 00:18:07.152 Do you think that, I like to see wicked people die, says the sovereign Lord. 00:18:07.842 --> 00:18:08.712 Of course not. 00:18:09.522 --> 00:18:12.582 I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. 00:18:13.542 --> 00:18:16.842 However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior, I. 00:18:17.142 --> 00:18:20.292 And start doing sinful things and act like other sinners. 00:18:20.712 --> 00:18:22.182 Should they be allowed to live? 00:18:22.932 --> 00:18:24.252 No, of course not. 00:18:24.942 --> 00:18:29.982 All their righteous acts will be forgotten and they will die for their sins. 00:18:30.912 --> 00:18:33.762 Yet you say the Lord isn't doing what's right. 00:18:34.422 --> 00:18:35.292 Listen to me. 00:18:35.292 --> 00:18:36.552 Oh, people of Israel. 00:18:37.482 --> 00:18:40.512 Am I the one not doing what's right or is it you? 00:18:41.697 --> 00:18:45.267 When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing 00:18:45.267 --> 00:18:47.547 sinful things, they will die for it. 00:18:48.417 --> 00:18:51.267 Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. 00:18:51.927 --> 00:18:55.797 And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law 00:18:55.977 --> 00:18:59.817 and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. 00:19:00.217 --> 00:19:05.187 They will live because they fought it over and decided to turn from their sins. 00:19:05.817 --> 00:19:07.377 Such people will not die. 00:19:08.172 --> 00:19:12.192 And yet the people of Israel keep saying the Lord isn't doing what's right. 00:19:12.702 --> 00:19:17.742 Oh, people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what's right, not I. 00:19:18.732 --> 00:19:20.802 Therefore, I will judge each of you. 00:19:20.922 --> 00:19:21.072 Oh. 00:19:21.072 --> 00:19:25.422 People of Israel, according to your actions, says the sovereign Lord. 00:19:26.082 --> 00:19:28.602 Repent and turn from your sins. 00:19:28.962 --> 00:19:30.492 Don't let them destroy you. 00:19:31.242 --> 00:19:36.492 Put all your rebellion behind you and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. 00:19:37.332 --> 00:19:38.652 For Why should you die? 00:19:38.652 --> 00:19:39.792 O people of Israel? 00:19:40.392 --> 00:19:43.272 I don't want you to die, says the sovereign Lord. 00:19:44.082 --> 00:19:45.972 Turn back and live. 00:19:47.322 --> 00:19:50.412 Sing this funeral song for the princes of Israel. 00:19:51.342 --> 00:19:52.212 What is your mother? 00:19:52.962 --> 00:19:54.642 A lioness among lions. 00:19:55.242 --> 00:19:58.482 She laid down among the young lions and reared her cubs. 00:19:59.322 --> 00:20:03.012 She raised one of her cubs to become a strong young lion. 00:20:03.582 --> 00:20:08.112 He learned to hunt and devour prey, and he became a man eater. 00:20:09.222 --> 00:20:12.252 Then the nations heard about him and he was trapped in their pit. 00:20:13.002 --> 00:20:15.522 They let him away with hooks to the land of Egypt. 00:20:16.662 --> 00:20:21.732 When the lions saw that her hopes for him were gone, she took another of her cubs 00:20:21.972 --> 00:20:24.402 and taught him to be a strong young lion. 00:20:25.182 --> 00:20:28.842 He prowled among the other lions and stood out among them in his strength. 00:20:29.982 --> 00:20:34.662 He learned to hunt and devour prey, and he too became a man eater. 00:20:35.442 --> 00:20:39.522 He demolished fortresses and destroyed their towns and cities. 00:20:40.452 --> 00:20:44.022 Their farms were desolated and their crops were destroyed. 00:20:44.862 --> 00:20:48.912 The land, and its people trembled in fear when they heard him roar. 00:20:49.842 --> 00:20:54.312 Then the armies of the nations attacked him, surrounding him from every direction. 00:20:55.002 --> 00:20:58.002 They threw a net over him and captured him in their pit. 00:20:58.842 --> 00:21:02.712 With hooks, they dragged him into a cage and brought him before the king 00:21:02.712 --> 00:21:08.172 of Babylon, they held him in captivity so his voice could never again be 00:21:08.177 --> 00:21:10.632 heard on the mountains of Israel. 00:21:11.862 --> 00:21:15.102 Your mother was like a vine planted by the water's edge. 00:21:15.882 --> 00:21:17.802 It had lush green foliage. 00:21:17.802 --> 00:21:23.142 Because of the abundant water, its branches became strong, strong 00:21:23.142 --> 00:21:24.822 enough to be a ruler scepter. 00:21:25.467 --> 00:21:28.797 It grew very tall, towering above all others. 00:21:29.487 --> 00:21:34.287 It stood out because of its height and its many lush branches, but 00:21:34.287 --> 00:21:38.457 the vine was uprooted in fury and thrown down to the ground. 00:21:39.297 --> 00:21:45.057 The desert wind dried up its fruit and tore off its strong branches so that 00:21:45.057 --> 00:21:48.117 it withered and was destroyed by fire. 00:21:49.407 --> 00:21:52.437 Now the vine is transplanted to the wilderness where 00:21:52.437 --> 00:21:54.327 the ground is hard and dry. 00:21:54.942 --> 00:21:58.782 A fire has burst out from its branches and devoured its fruit. 00:21:59.442 --> 00:22:02.982 Its remaining limbs are not strong enough to be a ruler scepter. 00:22:04.302 --> 00:22:11.502 This is a funeral song and it will be used in a funeral on August 14th. 00:22:11.712 --> 00:22:16.632 During the seventh year of King Kin's captivity, some of the leaders of Israel 00:22:16.632 --> 00:22:18.702 came to request a message from the Lord. 00:22:19.632 --> 00:22:22.212 They sat down in front of me to wait for his reply. 00:22:23.202 --> 00:22:27.012 Then this message came to me from the Lord, son of man. 00:22:27.282 --> 00:22:31.422 Tell the leaders of Israel this is what the sovereign Lord says. 00:22:32.112 --> 00:22:34.662 How dare you come to ask me for a message? 00:22:35.352 --> 00:22:39.642 As surely as I live says the sovereign Lord, I will tell you nothing. 00:22:40.632 --> 00:22:41.442 Son of man. 00:22:41.802 --> 00:22:44.382 Bring charges against them and condemn them. 00:22:45.012 --> 00:22:49.032 Make them realize how detestable the sins of their ancestors really were. 00:22:49.842 --> 00:22:52.272 Give them this message from the sovereign Lord. 00:22:52.932 --> 00:22:57.282 When I chose Israel, when I revealed myself to the descendants of Jacob 00:22:57.282 --> 00:23:02.082 in Egypt, I took a solemn oath that I, the Lord would be their God. 00:23:02.952 --> 00:23:07.512 I took a solemn oath that day that I would bring them out of Egypt to a land I had 00:23:07.542 --> 00:23:13.332 discovered and explored for them a good land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 00:23:13.842 --> 00:23:15.702 The best of all lands anywhere. 00:23:16.572 --> 00:23:20.502 Then I said to them, each of you get rid of the vile images. 00:23:20.502 --> 00:23:21.912 You are so obsessed with. 00:23:22.542 --> 00:23:27.522 Do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt for I am the Lord your God. 00:23:28.572 --> 00:23:31.092 But they rebelled against me and would not listen. 00:23:32.052 --> 00:23:35.142 They did not get rid of the vile images they were obsessed with 00:23:35.802 --> 00:23:37.662 or forsake the idols of Egypt. 00:23:38.532 --> 00:23:42.612 Then I threatened to pour out my fury on them to satisfy my anger 00:23:43.032 --> 00:23:44.502 while they were still in Egypt. 00:23:45.222 --> 00:23:49.182 I didn't do it for, I acted to protect the honor of my name. 00:23:50.112 --> 00:23:53.682 I would not allow shame to be brought on my name among the surrounding 00:23:53.687 --> 00:23:58.452 nations who saw me reveal myself by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. 00:23:59.472 --> 00:24:03.852 So I brought them out of Egypt and led them into the wilderness there. 00:24:03.852 --> 00:24:09.132 I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them. 00:24:10.062 --> 00:24:15.162 And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. 00:24:15.942 --> 00:24:20.982 It was to remind them that I am the Lord who had set them apart to be holy. 00:24:21.912 --> 00:24:26.382 But the people of Israel rebelled against me and they refused to obey 00:24:26.382 --> 00:24:28.512 my decrees there in the wilderness. 00:24:29.352 --> 00:24:34.212 They wouldn't obey my regulations even though obedience would've given them life. 00:24:35.052 --> 00:24:37.212 They also violated my Sabbath days. 00:24:38.097 --> 00:24:42.297 So I threatened to pour out my fury on them, and I made plans to utterly 00:24:42.297 --> 00:24:43.947 consume them in the wilderness. 00:24:44.847 --> 00:24:49.317 But again, I held back in order to protect the honor of my name before 00:24:49.317 --> 00:24:53.577 the nations who had seen my power in bringing Israel out of Egypt. 00:24:53.987 --> 00:24:57.297 But I took a solemn oath against them in the wilderness. 00:24:57.927 --> 00:25:01.437 I swore I would not bring them into the land I had given them a 00:25:01.437 --> 00:25:03.297 land flowing with milk and honey. 00:25:03.747 --> 00:25:05.637 The most beautiful place on earth. 00:25:06.597 --> 00:25:11.457 They had rejected my regulations, refused to follow my decrees, 00:25:11.757 --> 00:25:13.857 and violated my Sabbath days. 00:25:14.727 --> 00:25:16.647 Their hearts were given to their idols. 00:25:17.607 --> 00:25:21.207 Nevertheless, I took pity on them and held back from 00:25:21.207 --> 00:25:22.827 destroying them in the wilderness. 00:25:23.127 --> 00:25:27.597 Then I warned their children not to follow in their parents' footsteps, 00:25:28.137 --> 00:25:30.207 defiling themselves with their idols. 00:25:30.897 --> 00:25:32.487 I am the Lord your God. 00:25:32.607 --> 00:25:33.297 I told them. 00:25:33.882 --> 00:25:38.502 Follow my decrees, pay attention to my regulations, and keep 00:25:38.502 --> 00:25:41.022 my Sabbath days holy for. 00:25:41.022 --> 00:25:45.612 They are assigned to remind you that I am the Lord your God, but their 00:25:45.612 --> 00:25:47.802 children too rebelled against me. 00:25:48.582 --> 00:25:52.902 They refuse to keep my decrees and follow my regulations even though 00:25:52.902 --> 00:25:57.942 obedience would've given them life, and they also violated my Sabbath days. 00:25:58.902 --> 00:26:03.222 So again, I threatened to pour out my fury on them in the wilderness. 00:26:04.167 --> 00:26:08.637 Nevertheless, I withdrew my judgment against them to protect the honor of my 00:26:08.637 --> 00:26:13.077 name before the nations that had seen my power in bringing them out of Egypt. 00:26:14.007 --> 00:26:16.917 But I took a solemn oath against them in the wilderness. 00:26:17.847 --> 00:26:21.537 I swore I would scatter them among all the nations because 00:26:21.537 --> 00:26:23.517 they did not obey my regulations. 00:26:24.747 --> 00:26:29.457 They scorned my decrees by violating my Sabbath days and longing for 00:26:29.462 --> 00:26:31.107 the idols of their ancestors. 00:26:32.187 --> 00:26:37.527 I gave them over to worthless decrees and regulations that would not lead to life. 00:26:38.457 --> 00:26:42.987 I let them pollute themselves with the very gifts I had given them, and 00:26:42.992 --> 00:26:47.937 I allowed them to give their firstborn children as offerings to their gods 00:26:48.687 --> 00:26:53.127 so I might devastate them and remind them that I alone am the Lord. 00:26:54.267 --> 00:26:58.107 Therefore, son of man, give the people of Israel this 00:26:58.107 --> 00:26:59.997 message from the sovereign Lord. 00:27:00.912 --> 00:27:05.472 Your ancestors continued to blaspheme and betray me for when 00:27:05.472 --> 00:27:06.762 I brought them into the land. 00:27:06.762 --> 00:27:07.782 I had promised them. 00:27:08.322 --> 00:27:12.582 They offered sacrifices on every high hill and under every green 00:27:12.587 --> 00:27:16.152 tree they saw, they roused my fury. 00:27:16.152 --> 00:27:18.762 As they offered up sacrifices to their gods. 00:27:19.602 --> 00:27:22.752 They brought their perfumes and incense and poured out 00:27:22.752 --> 00:27:24.372 their liquid offerings to them. 00:27:24.912 --> 00:27:28.422 I said to them, what is this high place where you are going? 00:27:29.262 --> 00:27:34.302 This kind of pagan shrine has been called Bema High place ever since. 00:27:35.322 --> 00:27:39.552 Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the sovereign Lord, 00:27:40.332 --> 00:27:43.572 do you plan to pollute yourselves just as your ancestors did? 00:27:44.532 --> 00:27:48.072 Do you intend to keep prostituting yourselves by worshiping vile 00:27:48.072 --> 00:27:52.302 images for when you offer gifts to them and give your little 00:27:52.302 --> 00:27:54.732 children to be burned as sacrifices? 00:27:55.062 --> 00:27:58.272 You continue to pollute yourselves with idols to this day. 00:27:59.397 --> 00:28:01.947 Should I allow you to ask for a message from me? 00:28:02.277 --> 00:28:06.837 Oh, people of Israel, as surely as I live, says the sovereign Lord. 00:28:07.257 --> 00:28:10.527 I will tell you nothing you say. 00:28:11.097 --> 00:28:16.577 We want to be like the nations all around us who serve idols of wood and stone, but 00:28:17.607 --> 00:28:23.187 what you have in mind will never happen as surely as I live says the sovereign Lord. 00:28:23.607 --> 00:28:27.087 I will rule over you with an iron fist in great anger. 00:28:27.507 --> 00:28:33.507 And with awesome power and in anger, I will reach out with my strong hand and 00:28:33.512 --> 00:28:38.337 powerful arm and I will bring you back from the lands where you are scattered. 00:28:39.087 --> 00:28:41.607 I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations. 00:28:41.907 --> 00:28:44.367 And there I will judge you face-to-face. 00:28:45.057 --> 00:28:48.507 I will judge you there just as I did your ancestors and the 00:28:48.507 --> 00:28:52.467 wilderness after bringing them out of Egypt, says the sovereign Lord. 00:28:53.562 --> 00:28:57.582 I will examine you carefully and hold you to the terms of the covenant. 00:28:58.482 --> 00:29:02.262 I will purge you of all those who rebel and revolt against me. 00:29:03.252 --> 00:29:07.062 I will bring them outta the countries where they are in exile, but they 00:29:07.062 --> 00:29:09.342 will never enter the land of Israel. 00:29:10.242 --> 00:29:12.942 Then you will know that I am the Lord. 00:29:14.082 --> 00:29:19.632 As for you, oh, people of Israel, this is what the sovereign Lord says. 00:29:20.577 --> 00:29:26.247 Go right ahead and worship your idols, but sooner or later, you will obey me and will 00:29:26.247 --> 00:29:32.067 stop bringing shame on my holy name by worshiping idols for on my holy mountain. 00:29:32.517 --> 00:29:36.627 The great mountain of Israel says the sovereign Lord, the people 00:29:36.627 --> 00:29:42.417 of Israel will someday worship me, and I will accept them there. 00:29:42.417 --> 00:29:45.657 I will require that you bring me all your offerings and 00:29:45.657 --> 00:29:47.607 choice, gifts and sacrifices. 00:29:48.582 --> 00:29:52.632 When I bring you home from exile, you will be like a pleasing sacrifice to 00:29:52.632 --> 00:29:58.902 me, and I will display my holiness through you as all the nations watch. 00:29:59.772 --> 00:30:03.402 Then when I have brought you home to the land I promised with a solemn 00:30:03.402 --> 00:30:08.262 oath to give to your ancestors, you will know that I am the Lord. 00:30:09.372 --> 00:30:12.852 You'll look back on all the ways you defiled yourselves and 00:30:12.852 --> 00:30:15.792 will hate yourselves because of the evil you have done. 00:30:16.827 --> 00:30:21.207 You will know that I am the Lord oh people of Israel, and I have honored 00:30:21.207 --> 00:30:23.277 my name by treating you mercifully. 00:30:23.277 --> 00:30:28.497 In spite of your wickedness, I the sovereign Lord have spoken. 00:30:30.057 --> 00:30:32.937 This concludes today's immerse reading experience. 00:30:33.057 --> 00:30:34.257 Thank you for joining us.